Have you played The Inspector Game? Try It Now

June/July 2010 issue no. 212
August/September 2010 issue no. 213


On Sale: July 27, 2010
Subscribers should receive this issue by July 20.

On the Cover:
Perfect prefinished wood floors

Houses 2010:
Read the issue online.


Articles
Page

KEEP SIDING DRY WITH A VENTED RAIN SCREEN

by Justin Fink
The best way to deal with water is to let it drain away or dry out, and a gap of less than an inch behind the siding ensures both
Read this article online



32
SAVE TIME WITH A PREFINISHED WOOD FLOOR
by Charles Peterson
Factory-finished products mean less work on site, but they demand a more careful installation
Read this article online


37
TORTURE TEST: DEMOLITION BLADES
by David Crosby
The price you pay for these reciprocating-saw blades doesn't necessarily correspond to the performance you get
Read this article online


42
THE REMODELER'S GUIDE TO CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS
by Rob Moody
A thoughtful plan is the key to minimizing waste
Read this article online


46
DO EUROPEANS REALLY MAKE THE BEST WINDOWS?
by Martin Holladay
These cold-weather windows are new to our shores, but some lesser known North American products may be just as good
Read this article online


50
A COOL TEXAS REMODEL
by Alan Barley
A ranch gains a master suite and a passive-cooling strategy
Read this article online


54
A GRADE-A DECK
by Scott Grice
Clever details help this deck connect to the outdoors
Read this article online


58
ADD STORAGE TO YOUR STAIR RAIL
by Scott Gibson
A long cabinet replaces a traditional stairwell railing
Read this article online


64
BRINGING THE WATER SHORTAGE HOME
by Rob Yagid
It has meant drought in some parts of the country, and nothing more than low-flow fixtures in others. The fact is, the nation's growing water crisis is changing the houses we build.
Read this article online


69


Departments

Page

CONTRIBUTORS

8
LETTERS

10
HOW IT WORKS
The stack effect

16
TIPS & TECHNIQUES
Versatile bandsaw worktables
Tape-measure blade rescue
Dryer-vent scrubbie

20
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Nitro-fueled nailer is a game changer

Magazine extra:
Video: Nitro-fueled nailer
-
26
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Paintbrushes: Bristle shape, ferrule, and handle
Soft-cap kneepads: Rubber, foam, leather or gel

28
PROJECT GALLERY
Break out of the indoors

74
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Skylights in a flat roof

78
ENERGY-SMART DETAILS
Using rigid foam for an efficient and dry house

82
BUILDING SKILLS
Working with concealed hinges

86
DRAWING BOARD
Secrets to an uncluttered kitchen

90
MASTER CARPENTER
Building an arched pocket door


96
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

100
TAILGATE
Marianne Cusato, designer

102
BACK COVER
When imperfect is ideal
Magazine extras:
More photos and details on this project